Rose-throated Becard (Pachyramphus aglaiae), Tumacacori, Santa Cruz County

This Rose-throated Becard pair was found by Diane Touret on 19 May (female) and Dave Stejskal on 20 May (pair) 2017 and photographed by J. Duerr on 23 May 2017

Once a regular breeding species in a few locations, Rose-throated Becard has almost disappeared from Arizona in recent years, with just a few recent records in southeast Arizona. These are very likely the same pair present at this location in January and February.

The male is nearly unmistakable in this plumage with the pink throat and dark crown. For the female the underpart color is pale buff, the crown is dark slate, and the wings and tail are mostly rusty. The plumage pattern in combination with the large-headed, large-eyed look are typical of this species.

23 May 2017, photo by J. Duerr

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer